Root Canal Treatment: Common Myths Busted

 

Root canal treatment has emerged as the most popular therapy for treating a decaying infected tooth. However, various stigmas have been framed surrounding root canal treatment. The most popular being root canal can be expensive and painful. 

Have your dentist suggested root canal treatment NSW, but the thought of pain and expenses is refraining you from visiting the dental office?

Let’s clear the facts! Root canal therapy is painless and affordable compared to any other dental treatment.

In this article, we’ll explain to you the basics of root canal therapy and the common myths surrounding this excellent tooth restoration technique. 

For best results, it is always recommended to get your dental implantation, root canal and teeth cleaning Northern Beaches from reputed clinics and experienced physicians. 

Let’s get started!

What’s Root Canal Treatment?

The name root canal treatment originated from the part of the tooth where the procedure is performed. The root canal comprises the hollow section of the tooth. All the nerve supply, blood vessels and other tissues connect with your teeth through the root or pulp of your teeth. 

The crown part of your tooth remains above the gum, while the roots are located below it. The roots fixate your tooth to the jawbone. 

The pulp (the entire content within your root canal) provides nourishment, sensation and moisture to your tooth. 

The medical term for root canal treatment is endodontic therapy signifying “inside the tooth.”

When Does A Dentist Suggest A Root Canal Treatment? 

Your can dentist generally suggests a root canal treatment NSW when the soft pulp containing the nerve and blood supply is injured, infected or inflamed. 

Common causes leading to pulp injury or infection include: 

• Deep tooth decay from a chronic untreated cavity 
• Multiple dental procedures performed on the same tooth. 
• A chip or crack in the tooth leading to accumulation of food particles inside your tooth. 
• Trauma to the tooth due to accidents (you can even injure a tooth if you get hit in the mouth. In fact, with high-impact injuries, the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury doesn’t crack the tooth). 

The most common symptoms suggesting injured, infected, or inflamed pulp include excruciating toothache, swelling and excessive sensitivity in your affected tooth and surrounding gums. 

Generally, your dentist investigates the painful tooth through X-rays to confirm the diagnosis and root canal requirement.

Also Read: What You Need To Know About Root Canal Treatment 

Busting Myths Surrounding The Root Canal Treatment 

Myth: Root Canal Therapy Can Make You Sick

This myth originated from a fictional study conducted by Dr Weston Price in the 1920s. Over the years, this rumour spread like wildfire and established a strong foothold even in the modern world. 

Fact: A root canal is specifically engineered to remove any microbial manifestation, thus reducing toothache and restoring your natural teeth. Additionally, with modern developments, dental anaesthesia is now readily available for patients suffering from dental anxiety or with a low pain threshold. 

Root canal treatment, along with dental cleaning and teeth whitening Northern Beaches, minimises any chances of potential illness due to infection rather than causing it.

Myth: The Results From A Root Canal Treatment Isn’t Long-lasting 

This misconception started when patients experienced cracked teeth during treatment due to the lack of sophisticated modern dental tools or unqualified professionals. 

Fact: The removal of the pulp and temporary sealing completely alleviates toothache almost instantly. A permanent crown placement offers long-term, aesthetic results. With such permanent solutions, you can stop worrying about getting a cavity in the long term. 

Myth: Tooth Extraction And Artificial Dental Implants Is A Much Better Option 

There’s a common misconception that completely removing your tooth and replacing it with dental implants (natural-looking artificial teeth) is better than root canal treatment. 

Fact: Root canal therapy restores your natural tooth. Complete extraction might be dangerous in certain cases, such as stimulation of the jaw bone, weaker teeth, longer recovery time and weaker muscles. Additionally, extraction can be costly. Root canal therapy saves your natural dental structure, including your bone and jaw framework. 

Myth: Root Canal Treatment Can Be Painful 

The most popular and fearful myth- a root canal is an intricate procedure that causes pain and discomfort. 

Fact: Root canal treatment NSW is now virtually painless. The excruciating toothache caused by injury or infection is instantly treated. Your dentist can also suggest anaesthesia for comfort and post-antibiotic therapy to prevent any further infection.